HealthyStuff

HealthyStuff

HealthyStuff.org's mission is to research toxic chemicals found in everyday products. This site is based on research conducted by environmental health organizations and other researchers around the country. The Ecology Center created HealthyStuff.org and leads its research and development.

The latest research on toxic chemicals in children’s car seats was released today by the nonprofit Ecology Center at the consumer-friendly site, www.HealthyStuff.org. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of seats tested contained hazardous halogenated flame retardants and over half contained non-halogenated organophosphate flame retardants, some of which are hazardous as well. The study finds that the flame retardant chemicals and alternatives used by companies are poorly regulated, putting consumers at risk, and questions the fire safety benefit of using these chemicals. Top rated companies in the study, Britax and Clek, have been proactively implementing policies to reduce hazards in their products while still meeting all safety standards. The poorest performing company was Graco.

A number of US regulatory agencies are charged with addressing dangerous consumer products. In general, chemical hazards in consumer products are poorly regulated and outside a few examples (toys & some children's products) consumers are largely left unprotected. HealthyStuff still encourages consumers to report products related chemical hazards to the appropriate agency.

Vehicles and Car Seats: SaferCar.gov is the NHTSA site where you can identify and report problems you might be having with your vehicle, tires, equipment or car seats.

HealthyStuff.org ratings do not provide a measure of health risk or chemical exposure associated with any individual product, or any individual element or related chemical. HealthyStuff.org ratings provide only a relative measure of high, medium, and low levels of concern for several hazardous chemicals or chemical elements in an individual product in comparison to criteria established in the site methodology.

HealthyStuff Reports

The latest research on toxic chemicals in children’s car seats was released today by the nonprofit Ecology Center at the consumer-friendly site, www.HealthyStuff.org. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of seats tested contained hazardous halogenated flame retardants and over half contained non-halogenated organophosphate flame retardants, some of which are hazardous as well.

In conjunction with the Campaign for Healthier Solutions, HealthyStuff.org tested 164 products purchased at four major discount retailers—Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and 99 Cents Only—in six U.S. states.

Take Action

We need stronger reform of our toxic chemicals policy!
The U.S. Senate is considering legislation (S.697) by Senators Udall (D-NM) and Vitter (R-LA) that claims to be comprehensive reform of our nation's chemical policy. But the bill is too weak to address a serious public health crisis. EPA would...

The latest research on toxic chemicals in children’s car seats was released today by the nonprofit Ecology Center at the consumer-friendly site, www.HealthyStuff.org. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of seats tested contained hazardous halogenated flame retardants...

Last year, demonstrations took place at a variety of Walgreens stores across the country as part of a national day of action, calling on the nation’s largest pharmacy chain to remove toxic products from their shelves. Ecology Center staff and volunteers organized outside of the Walgreens on State...